“How Much”: Throwback Clip Has The President Losing Points With SA After He Put Tar on a Gravel Road

• A South African content creator shared an old video showing President Cyril Ramaphosa using expensive road equipment to smooth a tiny patch of tar
• The viral throwback clip sparked outrage among South Africans who questioned how much was spent
• Social media users joked about the cost of the operation and suggested this video should have been shown during the recent meeting with Donald Trump at the White House

A throwback video of President Cyril Ramaphosa has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, leaving South Africans questioning government spending priorities.

Facebook content creator @southafricadaily247, known for sharing videos about current South African events and political issues, posted the clip on 26 August 2025 with a scathing caption.

The video, which received over 5,900 reactions, 1,300 comments, and 1,500 shares, shows the President surrounded by a large group of officials as he operates road construction equipment. In the footage, a small patch of tar has been poured onto what appears to be a gravel area, and Ramaphosa uses a specialised machine to level the surface.

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The content creator captioned the post:

"This is the video they should've played in the White House, for the world to see what an idiot of a President we have."

The reference appears to relate to recent meetings between South African and American officials, with the poster suggesting this video demonstrates poor leadership that international partners should be aware of.

South Africans were quick to point out the apparent waste of resources, with many joking that the tiny road repair project likely cost millions of rands. The sight of government officials standing around watching the President operate expensive equipment in such a small area struck many as a perfect example of government inefficiency.

Mzansi reacts to expensive road project

Social media users had plenty to say about the apparent waste of public money on display in the throwback footage.

@All Thngz Gruvi joked:

"That machine used R50 million of fuel."

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@Collin Halford laughed:

"I bet that was the last time that roller worked."

@Cravet Valentine asked:

"How many million was that patch of tar?"

@Manny Dolago sarcastically commented:

"The longest tarred highway in Africa."

@Vuyisile claimed:

"That road cost R239 billion."

@Max Hofmann observed:

"Have you noticed that when any such civil work is being carried out, there's always 1 worker, 10 assistants, 20 foremen, and 40 supervisors?"

@Brenda Muller pointed out:

"And on a gravel road..."

@Akhona Laizy B Masiza noted the irony:

"Patching gravel road with tar and patching tar road with soil..."

Corruption in SA

According to Professor John C Mubangizi from the University of the Free State, corruption remains South Africa's biggest threat because it impacts all other social problems.

He explains that corruption diverts funds into private pockets, which prevents proper service delivery and perpetuates poverty and inequality. The professor notes that while South Africa has comprehensive anti-corruption laws, the real problem lies in politics, with most corruption being linked to important political figures high up in the government hierarchy.

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Watch the Facebook clip below:

3 Other stories about President Ramaphosa

• Briefly News recently reported on South Africans rejecting Ramaphosa's focus on Russia-Ukraine peace efforts.
• Japanese singers impressed Cyril Ramaphosa with their performance in isiZulu and Shona languages, but the unexpected choice of songs they sang had social media users scratching their heads.
• Helen Zille demanded answers from President Ramaphosa over MTN bribery allegations, but the timing of her questions and South Africans' reactions showed just how frustrated people have become.

Source: Briefly News